13 February 2014

Cambodia 2014: Is there Astronomy in Cambodia?

As we set into our journey through Cambodia, we arrived in Phnom Penh at a friend’s apartment. His
apartment was on the 4th floor and had a huge terrace where I could
set my camera and take pictures of the night sky.

As the camera rolled, I started to ask questions about
astronomy to our friend and his family. This was to get a feeling of how much
people in Cambodia
knew about the subject. They had a general knowledge of astronomy. I would say
high school level.

One week later we headed for Krong Koh Kong, a town on the
west coast to visit his family. As the night fell, I set my camera for an
observation session and drew a crowd of curious kids and adults from the neighbourhood.

I chatted up the crowd and asked them about astronomy. Once
again the level of knowledge was limited. When I explained about stars in our
galaxy and black holes in the center of it, they were lost. So, another set
back for astronomy in Cambodia.

A week later, I met with Dr. Cheap Chheang Vith at his house
in Battambang. Mr, Vith is a teacher of Earth Sciences who works at the Regional Teacher Training
Center in Battambang
where he teaches young students to become teachers. In this case Earth science
teachers.

His knowledge of astronomy was higher than the previous
people I spoke to, but still lacked fluidity. He seemed rusted. He invited me
for an observation session of the moon with his students. It was very nice to
see so much people interested in astronomy

For a couple of hours we observed the Moon and discussed
astronomy. He showed me his office and classroom and pointed out that his
resources for astronomy were limited.

He had to purchase himself a telescope from Japan and rely
on donations and old equipments to teach properly astronomy to his students.
Let say that with more support from the global community, these student could
grasp even better the science of astronomy. But wait there is hope!

Dr. Vith with his students observing the Moon.Credit: Astronomy club Toutatis/S. Lamoureux
(Click on picture to enlarge)

A Belgian company devoted to education for development has
established an education development program (Science, Environmental and
Agricultural Life Skills - SEAL Program) in Cambodia
since 2008 focusing on strengthening teacher training in Cambodia. This
initiative is helping a lot the local training center in Battambang, Cambodia
and is invaluable to those students.

In conclusion, my question; “Is there Astronomy in Cambodia?” was
really relevant.

I found that the level of knowledge was novice and
what you find in high school text books. I understand that Cambodia is a
poor country and there are more pressing matter on the table, like agriculture
for example. So it is understandable that astronomy is not a priority. On a
good note, I found that Cambodian people are curious people and are interested
in the stars and the Universe. A good sign for the future.

My name is Stefan Lamoureux, I am the president of the Astronomy Club Toutatis, Kustavi, Finland. We organize all kinds of activities concerning astronomy and night observation at our Observatory in Kustavi, Finland. Also we travel around the world to visit the astronomy scene and write about it. Welcome to our blog and enjoy the astronomy behind it!